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Tender Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

Tender Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 5-6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Succulent slow cooker turkey breast elevates home-cooked meals with minimal effort. Home cooks can enjoy tender, flavorful meat without complex preparation, serving a delicious dinner you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4.5 lb (2 kg) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 1 large onion, peeled and cut into thick slices
  • 4 tbsps unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tsps salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Herb Butter Preparation: Whisk softened butter with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and seasoning until smooth and fully integrated.
  2. Turkey Preparation: Pat turkey breast dry, gently separate skin from meat, and massage half the herbed butter underneath, then coat exterior with remaining butter mixture.
  3. Slow Cooker Setup: Spread thinly sliced onions across slow cooker base, then place seasoned turkey breast atop onion layer, ensuring stable positioning.
  4. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and roast on low temperature for 5-6 hours, periodically checking internal temperature and targeting 165°F (74°C) for optimal doneness.
  5. Finishing Touches: Transfer cooked turkey to baking sheet and broil briefly to achieve a golden, crisp exterior that enhances visual and textural appeal.
  6. Gravy Creation: Strain cooking liquids, discard solids, and create a roux by melting butter and incorporating flour. Gradually whisk in drippings and chicken broth until sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency.
  7. Serving: Rest turkey to redistribute juices, slice carefully, and serve with homemade gravy for an elegant culinary presentation.

Notes

  • Prep Surface with Care: Always thoroughly pat turkey breast dry with paper towels to help butter adhere perfectly and ensure crispy, golden skin during cooking.
  • Butter Massage Technique: Gently separate skin from meat and apply herbed butter underneath for maximum flavor penetration, ensuring even seasoning distribution throughout the breast.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to consistently monitor internal temperature, removing turkey exactly at 165°F to prevent dryness and maintain juicy, tender meat.
  • Gravy Enhancement Hack: Save and strain cooking liquid for rich, flavorful homemade gravy, using a flour-based roux to create a smooth, luxurious sauce that complements the turkey perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 940 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg